Van Bronckhorst, who will sign within the next 24 hours, said he opted for Arsenal because he felt Chelsea were not being big enough for him. But they are certainly big enough for former Highbury favourite Emmanuel Petit, whose switch from Barcelona to Chelsea on July 1 triggered Wise's sale.

None of which will be of great concern to Leicester boss Taylor, who said: 'Dennis Wise is a winner and will be a great asset.

'There were times with us last season when maybe there weren't enough leaders on the pitch. Dennis is a leader and is still hungry to do well.'

Frank Lampard's £11m arrival from West Ham had all but signalled the end of skipper Wise's career at Chelsea.

He missed only two of Chelsea's Premiership games last term but was used out of position on left midfield rather than in his preferred central role.

The west London club are also chasing Real Madrid's Cameroon defender Geremi, 22.